Rodney Atkins Divorcing Wife Who Reported Him for Assault

The country singer said through his lawyer that his wife's account was false and that he realized he had 'no recourse' but to seek an end to their marriage.

Photo credit: Judy Eddy/WENN

Country star Rodney Atkins is divorcing his wife Tammy Jo, but the case is more complicated than just a separation. It was found out that Rodney was arrested last month in Tennessee for domestic violence.

Tammy called 911 on November 21 at 7:47 A.M., saying her husband tried to smother her with pillow and grabbed her face. According to court docs filed in Williamson County, the couple had been arguing throughout the night in their home. Tammy claimed Rodney "had been drinking alcohol all night and was intoxicated."

In Tammy's account, he threw her down a hallway in front of their 10-year-old son, Elijah. Rodney was taken to a nearby jail where he was booked and released after posting $2,500 bail.

Rodney is now accusing his wife of making up lies, saying it was nothing more than an "unfortunate verbal dispute". His lawyer Rose Palermo said, "When Mr. Atkins realized their child was in hearing range of the argument his first priority became getting out of the earshot of the child. Mr. Atkins realized he would have no recourse but to file a complaint for divorce. He has exercised substantial parenting time with the parties son and he will continue to do so while the divorce is pending."

The statement continued, "Atkins plans to spend significant time with his child over the Christmas holidays and respectfully requests privacy at this time. ...Mr. Atkins wants to thank his fans for standing by him as he is confident the truth will prevail."